ConFusion

This is going to be a quickie post…got a lot of work to get done, edits, finish a short story, work on SHATTERED, deal with rotten kids, laundry…ugh, ugh, ugh (anybody wanna do the laundry?)

I just came back from ConFusion, a regional SF con in Detroit. It was my first ‘appearance’ as J.C. I spoke on four or five panels, hung out with some people I know through twitter and Jackie from Literary Escapism, plus met some new authors.

I had a blast.

Authors Myke Cole (I recognized him from like…twenty feet away). The haircut, the military bearing–guys in the military move like other guys just don’t. Meeting him was cool-I’ve known him via twitter for probably two years now? I guess. Then I got to meet Wes Chu, another author I’ve seen on twitter, not as much, but he’s a lot of fun to talk to and I’m definitely going to be reading his books.

There was a weapons demo which was amazing. I slid into several panels, had a piece of crap that I’d written when I was 14 read outloud – this was called juvenilia-and fortunately, I wasn’t the one forced to read it.

All in all, I had a lot of fun.

There’s a different kind of vibe at this con from romance cons…and it’s a hell of a lot cheaper. Readers, no matter what, are always great to hang out with, and everybody was extremely friendly. People are in general pretty friendly at romance cons, so I can’t quite put my finger on what the difference is, but it’s there.

Regardless, I enjoy both, but one thing about this con that stands out? Damn, it’s way more affordable. I spent half as much here as I usually do on a con, I kid you not.

I thought the Lori Foster event was affordable but this one had pre-reg at under $40, I think, and registration at the event for $50. You’re not going to get the swag you get at romance cons, but you get plenty of panels, there’s time to chat others who love the genre and autograph sessions. It’s extremely laid back. They also have a con-suite where you can grab snacks and sodas… for free.

If you’re close enough to Michigan and have ever thought about hitting a con, I say give this one a shot.

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2 thoughts on “ConFusion”

You forgot to mention the free beer. What Con gives out free beer? Or was that just Friday night? I’m not much of a drinker, but alcohol seems to be a big part of most romance cons (I spend way too much time in the bar it seems), but that just seemed weird to me.

Totally agree with you though. Completely different feel and a lot more geeky. Not in a bad way, but in a “I know I’m a geek and not ashamed of it” way. No one felt justified to explain or defend why they’re a geek; but I’ve had that conversation a couple times when talking about the romance genre.